The International Cricket Council (ICC) has announced that the next World Test Championship (WTC) cycle, will be taking place from 2027 to 2029, it will include 12 full-member teams instead of nine.
The ICC has also decided to scrap the proposed two-tier system after meetings held in Dubai in late 2025. This move is aimed at making Test cricket more inclusive and keeping the tournament simple and fair for all teams.
What’s New in the WTC 2027-29 Cycle
Since the World Test Championship (WTC) began in 2019, it has featured only nine of the ICC’s full-member teams. But from the 2027-2029 cycle, Afghanistan, Ireland, and Zimbabwe will also take part, increasing the total to 12 teams. This will be the first time all full-member nations play together in one unified Test league.
The earlier idea of a two-tier system, with Division 1 and Division 2 teams and a promotion-relegation model, was dropped. The ICC found that the concept lacked global support, especially from smaller boards concerned about financial losses and reduced opportunities if relegated.
Why the Two-Tier Model Was Dropped
The two-tier model was first suggested to make Test cricket more competitive by placing teams of similar strength in separate groups. However, several cricket boards, especially from developing Test nations, raised genuine concerns about the idea:
- Relegation fears: Smaller boards worried they would lose out on playing against stronger sides like India, Australia, and England, impacting revenue and exposure.
- Funding issues: The ICC did not have a clear plan to financially support a lower division, making the model risky for less wealthy boards.
- Scheduling challenges: With a tight global cricket calendar, organizing separate divisions was logistically difficult.
As a result, ICC members agreed that a single-tier, 12-team WTC would be a fairer and more practical approach, ensuring every full member continues to play Test cricket at the highest level.
How the New Format Will Work
The expanded WTC will run from mid-2027 to 2029, concluding with the WTC Final in England. While the detailed fixture list is yet to be finalized, here’s what’s known so far:
All 12 full-member teams will be part of one division.
- Each team will play a set number of Test series, both home and away, though the exact number is still being discussed.
- Points will continue to be awarded for each Test match and series, and the top two teams on the points table will qualify for the Final.
- There will be no promotion or relegation, ensuring stability for all teams.
However, concerns remain about whether the ICC will provide financial or logistical support to smaller boards to help them host Test matches regularly within the new format.
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What This Means for Test Cricket
Expanding the World Test Championship to 12 teams is seen as a major step toward making Test cricket more inclusive and encouraging its growth worldwide.
1. For emerging Test nations like Afghanistan, Ireland, and Zimbabwe, it’s a big chance to regularly play against stronger teams and help the format grow in their countries.
2. For established teams, the expanded system brings more variety to the schedule and opens up new, exciting matchups.
3. For fans, it means that every Test-playing nation now has a fair chance to reach the WTC Final, making the competition truly global.
At the same time, this change brings new challenges. Managing travel, tight schedules, and player workloads across 12 teams won’t be easy. The ICC will have to plan carefully to keep the competition fair, balanced, and engaging for everyone.
Conclusion
The ICC’s decision to expand the World Test Championship to 12 teams and abandon the two-tier model is a defining moment for Test cricket. It reflects a commitment to equality among full-member nations and a desire to make the traditional format more global.
While the finer details remain to be worked out, one thing is certain, the 2027-29 WTC cycle will usher in a new, more inclusive era for the longest and most respected form of the game.
Written by Kinjal Walantra